In the photo: Gardenb Route Dam
George Municipality informs residents, businesses, and stakeholders that the Council, on Thursday, 29 January 2026, unanimously approved the request for a classification of the George Municipal Area as a Local Disaster Area due to severe water challenges and the current drought conditions. This request is directed at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, where the assessment will be conducted.
The municipality is experiencing critical water shortages following prolonged below-average rainfall, which is expected to continue. The Garden Route Dam, the main water source for George, stood at 44.77% on 26 January 2026 compared to 87.87% last year, while Haarlem Dam, supplying Haarlem and Uniondale, was at 24.00% compared to 85,42% last year. Uniondale’s supply from the Kammanassie River is also severely depleted, with limited groundwater available.
The area is affected by both hydro-meteorological drought, reducing dam, river, and groundwater levels, and agricultural drought, impacting soil moisture, crops, and farming activities. Level 2D water restrictions and Level 3 emergency tariffs are in effect to reduce consumption and support additional operational costs. A Water Management Task Team monitors dam levels and coordinates interventions.
The disaster declaration allows for stronger coordination with the Garden Route District Municipality and other government spheres, access to relief mechanisms, and implementation of short- and long-term measures to address water scarcity.
Residents are urged to use water sparingly and comply with all restrictions to preserve available resources during this critical period.